What is resilience across cultures and contexts? : advances to the theory of positive development among individuals and families under stress

A convergence of epistemological innovations occurring in fields as diverse as sociology, ecology, and the cross-cultural study of psychology makes it difficult to assert what is and is not a benchmark of positive development under stress. Although these innovations complicate the study of resilience, understanding developmental outcomes of individuals and families as variable across cultures and contexts helps to broaden how we conceptualize protective processes. In this article, I use examples from family therapy and research to explore these areas of innovation. A definition of resilience based on these innovations explains how positive outcomes are the result of navigation to health resources and negotiation for resources to be provided in meaningful ways. Four implications for practice are discussed